By bike through the Belgian Ardennes: Ravel routes, river valleys and castles

This is where your journey begins. From Köln Hauptbahnhof you'll take the train with bike transport towards Belgium.

Arrival station in Namur, the gateway to the Ardennes. From here you'll start your cycling tour right along the Meuse.

One of the largest fortress complexes in Europe, towering above the confluence of the Meuse and the Sambre. You can walk along the ramparts, explore the underground passages and enjoy sweeping views over the town.

Centrally located hotel within walking distance of the old town and the Meuse, with secure bike storage. A good base for evening restaurants.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A small town south of Namur, known for its strawberries. Right along the cycle path you'll find stalls and a small strawberry museum, ideal for a first break by the riverbank.

A magnificent Renaissance and Baroque château right on the Meuse, with beautifully landscaped gardens in the French style. Opposite rise the famous Freÿr rocks, a climbing paradise above the river.

Picturesquely set between steep cliffs and the Meuse, overlooked by the Citadelle and the onion-domed collegiate church. Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, visible everywhere in the town's colourful instrument displays.

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Hotel steeped in tradition in the heart of Dinant, right on the riverside promenade. Bike-friendly with storage available, good restaurants within walking distance.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A fairytale-like moated castle with pointed towers, perched high above the village of Celles. The interiors are furnished with pieces from several centuries, offering a vivid picture of aristocratic life.

One of Europe's most impressive limestone caves, reached by a historic tram. The Domaine also includes an extensive wildlife park with native Ardennes animals such as bison, wolves and lynx.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Family-run hotel in the centre of Han-sur-Lesse, just a few steps from the cave domaine. Bike-friendly, with regional cuisine in its own restaurant.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A famous Cistercian abbey, renowned far beyond its region for its Trappist beer and cheese. You can visit the impressive ruins of the old abbey and the monastery museum, and stop for a relaxed break.

Belgium's mightiest feudal castle stands on a rocky ridge above a tight bend in the Semois. It's inseparably linked to Godfrey of Bouillon and the Crusades, with underground passages and towers to explore.

A traditional inn right on the banks of the Semois with views of the castle. Bike-friendly and known for its refined Ardennes cuisine, ideal for a good evening after the day's ride.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Ardennes: from up high you look out over a wooded peninsula that sits like a burial mound within a tight bend of the Semois. A classic spot for a panoramic photo over the river valley.

A lively little town set in a tight bend of the Ourthe, overlooked by a medieval castle ruin. Walking trails beckon all around, and the town is a great place to try Ardennes specialities such as smoked ham and game.

Quietly located hotel in La Roche with bike-friendly facilities and views of the Ourthe. A good base for an evening in the old town.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A small town on the Ourthe, known for the Grottes de Hotton with their fine crystal formations. A good spot along the cycle path for a break by the river.

A tight tangle of cobbled lanes and old stone houses, fondly known as the smallest town in the world. Set on the banks of the Ourthe, with a castle, a jam factory and plenty of good restaurants, Durbuy is a highlight of the tour.

Established hotel in the historic centre of Durbuy, right on the Ourthe. Known for its refined cuisine and bike-friendly with secure storage.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From Durbuy you'll take the train with bike transport back to Namur, the hub for your journey home.

Return to the starting point of your journey. This is where the cycling tour around the Ardennes ends.